The game was already out of reach and the chances of making a valiant comeback were essentially gone. But to Raffi Torres, it meant the world.

Wednesday's goal in a 4-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche snapped a 17-game scoreless drought for the Oilers forward and got that ever-growing primate of his back.

"I would have rather won the game and not scored," Torres said. "But it was nice to get that one for sure. I just have to try and build on that. Our line had some good chances, for sure, and it was nice to be able to capitalize on one. So hopefully we have a few things to look forward to."

Torres had not scored since netting a pair in a 4-2 win in Phoenix over the Coyotes on Oct. 18. He had not registered a point since picking up three assists three games later.

Yet, it hadn't been due to lack of opportunities.

Torres is the Oilers' leader in shots this year with 71 after registering a pair in Wednesday's loss. During his skid, the Toronto native had three games where he recorded more that five shots, including one where he was credited with 10 - the previous time the team was in Denver.

"He was one of the handful of guys that I thought played well (Wednesday)," said Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish. "That was a real positive to get Raffi that goal."

"It feels great to finally get one," Torres said. "You try not to worry about it, you just try to go out and play and try and keep going."